Starting high school is something that everyone looks forward to. The first semester of freshman year is often filled with a mix of excitement, challenges, and many new experiences. It is definitely an adjustment going from middle school to a new environment like high school. High school has a lot of freedom but also comes with new expectations and opportunities.
The biggest challenge is the workload that comes with entering high school. Classes are more demanding and tend to have more homework, projects, and exams. The first semester prepares you for what to expect for the rest of your high school career. You learn new study habits and ways to keep up with classes. You also learn more about your teachers and how they like things. Another big thing that most freshmen stress about is the finals at the end of each semester. Finals add a lot of stress and pressure to students.
Madison Bynum states, “I would rate my first semester a 7.5. I have made many new friends and have had a lot of new experiences. The one thing that I would say was the worst would be finals they were very stressful but I passed all of mine!”
The social part about being a freshman especially when you first get into high school is challenging. You just have to find your group and most importantly find who you are. Meeting new people and making new friends can be exciting and nerve racking. A lot of people join clubs or sports to find people to connect with who share interests. The first semester is also a time to build relationships with teachers and counselors, who can guide and support you throughout your high school journey. While it can be overwhelming at times, the first semester is an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and start building a foundation for the next four years.
Peyton Mooring says, “I would rate the first semester an 8. I have made so many new friends and am starting to find my group and my interests.”
Alex Presnelll states, “I think I would rate my freshman year a 7. Finals was hard but making the volleyball team and football games has helped me meet so many more people and make so many wonderful memories.”
There are so many highs and lows that play into beginning high school. A lot of people say the best part of the first semester was homecoming and football games. The dances in high school are definitely an experience and very different from middle school dances. At Hughson football is a big thing so many students coming into high school look forward to finally being able to sit in the student section and celebrate big wins with the high school community.
Sophia Aguiar said, “The start of freshman year came with so many new experiences. A memory I will never forget is being nominated for homecoming queen and winning!”
Overall the first semester of high school is a time of growth and learning. It is a chance to develop new skills, form meaningful connections, and begin to understand what you want to achieve during your high school years. While there may be challenges along the way, it is important to remember that everyone is going through similar experiences. Embrace the new journey and experiences, and make the most of this exciting time in your life.